countyscore
34.7
County Score
Lawn Care 80.7Health 75.5Water Quality 66

County Report Card

About Des Moines County, Iowa

Struggling Against National Benchmarks

Des Moines County receives a composite score of 34.7, falling well behind the national median of 50.0. High safety concerns and lower school ratings impact its standing relative to the rest of the country.

Trailing Iowa's Livability Average

At 34.7, the county is significantly below the Iowa state average of 55.6. It faces steeper challenges than many of its state counterparts, particularly in public safety and education.

Strong Access to Healthcare

Healthcare is a bright spot, with a Health Score of 75.5. This indicates that residents have better access to medical services and better health outcomes than many other dimensions of county life suggest.

Critical Safety and School Needs

The county faces a very low Safety Score of 3.8 and a School Score of 38.2. Addressing these core community pillars is essential for improving the long-term outlook for local residents.

Suited for Health-Focused Residents

This county is best for individuals who prioritize healthcare access and affordability over traditional safety metrics. With a median rent of $908, it offers a lower-cost entry point to Iowa living for those focused on medical proximity.

Score breakdown

Tax11.5Cost39.1Safety3.8Health75.5Schools38.2Income41.1Risk44.2Water66Weather52.7
🏛11.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤75.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡44.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨65.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Des Moines County?

Many homeowners in Des Moines County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Des Moines County with Jefferson County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Alabama
Median income: $64,589
34.7
Reno County
Kansas
Median income: $60,498
34.7
Riley County
Kansas
Median income: $59,560
34.7
Harnett County
North Carolina
Median income: $69,012
34.7
Kay County
Oklahoma
Median income: $56,673
34.7
Yuma County
Arizona
Median income: $60,417
34.8
Mitchell County
Georgia
Median income: $51,908
34.8
Grenada County
Mississippi
Median income: $47,998
34.8

Nearby counties

Henderson County
Illinois
61.7
Henry County
Iowa
52.5
Louisa County
Iowa
61.3
Mercer County
Illinois
63.1
Lee County
Iowa
42.8
Warren County
Illinois
52.4
Hancock County
Illinois
58.6
McDonough County
Illinois
56.3

Deep Dives

Des Moines County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Des Moines County

via TaxByCounty

Des Moines County taxes well above average

Des Moines County's effective tax rate of 1.531% is roughly 39% higher than the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the nation's upper tier for property tax burden. The median annual tax of $2,097 sits below the national median of $2,690, a direct result of lower home values offsetting the high rate.

Among Iowa's most aggressive taxers

At 1.531%, Des Moines County's effective rate ranks among the highest in Iowa, outpacing the state average of 1.344% by 14 percentage points. The county's median tax of $2,097 exceeds the state median of $2,160 by a smaller margin, showing that its reputation comes from rate rather than home value.

Des Moines leads southeast Iowa taxing

Des Moines County's 1.531% rate ranks second-highest in the region after Decatur County (1.695%), notably outpacing Davis County (1.518%), Delaware County (1.343%), and Dubuque County (1.260%). This positions the county among the heaviest-taxing areas in eastern Iowa.

Your annual Des Moines County tax bill

On a median home valued at $137,000, Des Moines County homeowners pay approximately $2,097 per year in property taxes. For those with a mortgage, the annual escrow amount typically reaches $2,224; those without a mortgage pay around $1,950.

Your tax bill may be too high

Given Des Moines County's elevated tax rate, overassessment can hit particularly hard on household budgets. An assessment appeal is often worthwhile, especially if property values have declined or assessments haven't been recently reviewed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Des Moines County

via CostByCounty

Des Moines County's rent burden climbs high

At 18.0%, Des Moines County's rent-to-income ratio is the worst in this comparison and significantly exceeds the national average of 14%—a troubling gap of 4 percentage points. With median household income of just $60,662 (19% below the national median) and monthly rent of $908, the county faces genuine affordability stress.

Least affordable rents in Iowa

Des Moines County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Iowa's 14.1% state average, marking it as the least affordable rental market statewide in this analysis. The median rent of $908 sits 12% above Iowa's average of $812, while median income of $60,662 lags the state by a significant margin.

Des Moines struggles compared to peers

Des Moines County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio dramatically outpaces neighboring Dickinson (15.0%) and Dubuque (14.9%), signaling acute affordability pressure. Even compared to economically challenged Decatur County (13.9%), Des Moines renters face disproportionate housing burden.

Housing squeezes Des Moines budgets

Renters in Des Moines County spend 18.0% of their $60,662 income—roughly $910 monthly—on housing, leaving limited funds for other essentials. Homeowners allocate 18.5% to $930 owner costs for properties valued at $137,000, indicating housing strain across both rental and ownership sectors.

Des Moines County demands income caution

Considering a move to Des Moines County? Budget carefully: its 18.0% rent-to-income ratio means housing consumes nearly one-fifth of household income, far above healthy levels. Unless relocating with above-average income prospects, this county presents genuine affordability challenges.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Des Moines County

via IncomeByCounty

Des Moines County trails national income

Des Moines County's median household income of $60,662 falls 19% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges in this older industrial region. The gap indicates residents earn meaningfully less than the typical American household.

Bottom tier within Iowa

At $60,662, Des Moines County earns 13% less than Iowa's state average of $69,830, ranking it among the state's lowest-income counties. This position reflects the county's struggle with manufacturing decline and population loss.

Lowest earner in the region

Des Moines County's $60,662 income falls significantly behind Davis County ($79,505), Delaware County ($76,205), and Dubuque County ($75,919), representing the region's weakest economic performance. The $18,843 gap with Davis County underscores concentrated disadvantage.

Housing costs strain budgets

At 18.0%, Des Moines County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 30% affordability standard threshold for some residents, indicating housing cost pressures affect family budgets more severely than statewide. The median home value of $137,000 remains a significant commitment for lower-earning households.

Seek income growth through training

Des Moines County residents should prioritize career development and skills training, as income growth offers faster wealth-building than investment alone at this economic level. Explore community college programs, apprenticeships, or online certifications that align with regional job demand.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Des Moines County

via CrimeByCounty

High Activity in Des Moines County

Des Moines County has a safety score of 94.0 and a total crime rate of 3809.5 per 100K. This is significantly higher than the national crime rate of 2385.5.

Exceeding Statewide Crime Averages

The local crime rate is more than triple the Iowa average of 1095.3 per 100K. This places the county's safety score below the Iowa average of 98.3.

Active Law Enforcement Response

Four reporting agencies manage a high volume of calls compared to adjacent rural counties. This region experiences much more frequent law enforcement activity than its quieter neighbors.

Analyzing Property Crime Trends

Property crime is the primary issue at 3369.1 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 440.4. Theft and burglary drive the vast majority of local safety statistics.

Enhancing Home Security Measures

Due to higher property crime rates, residents should consider comprehensive security systems. Visible cameras and alarm systems are highly effective deterrents in areas with more frequent theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Des Moines County

via HealthByCounty

Des Moines County trails national health metrics

Des Moines County's life expectancy of 75.9 years falls below both the U.S. average (76.4 years) and Iowa's state average (77.7 years), marking one of the lowest in this analysis. At 16.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county shows health challenges, though slightly better than the national 18% average.

Among Iowa's lowest life expectancies

At 75.9 years, Des Moines County ranks among Iowa's poorest performers on life expectancy, falling nearly 1.8 years below the state average of 77.7 years. This gap persists despite reasonable insurance coverage rates, suggesting deeper structural health challenges.

Excellent provider access masks poor outcomes

Des Moines County has the highest primary care provider ratio (75 per 100,000) and one of the highest mental health provider ratios (264 per 100,000) among these eight counties, yet its 75.9-year life expectancy remains the second-lowest. This disconnect suggests health barriers beyond provider availability, such as socioeconomic factors or chronic disease prevalence.

Strong coverage and access, persistent challenges

Des Moines County's uninsured rate of 5.0% is excellent—well below both state (5.7%) and national (10.9%) averages—and provider access is abundant. Yet these assets have not yet translated into county-wide life expectancy gains, indicating that coverage and access alone cannot solve underlying community health determinants.

Maximize your Des Moines County coverage

Coverage is the foundation of good health, and Des Moines County's 5.0% uninsured rate shows most residents are protected. If you're among the uninsured, apply at Healthcare.gov today—and take full advantage of preventive benefits to address the health challenges your county faces.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Des Moines County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Infrastructure in the Heartland

Des Moines County hosts 15 public schools serving 5,880 students across four districts. The system includes seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools to provide comprehensive local coverage.

Consistent Investment Amid Challenges

Per-pupil expenditure of $7,821 exceeds the state average, yet the graduation rate of 82.9% remains below the national 87% mark. The county maintains a school score of 51.6 as it works to improve outcomes through dedicated funding.

Burlington Community Schools Command Enrollment

The Burlington Community School District is the largest by far, managing eight schools and 3,334 students. All local education is provided through traditional public districts as no charter schools are currently active.

Town-Centered School Culture

Ten schools are located in town settings while five remain rural, creating an average school size of 392 students. Burlington Community High School stands out as the major local hub with 1,092 students.

Strategic Housing Near Town Schools

Des Moines County offers a variety of town-based and rural school options for growing families. For those prioritizing school proximity, homes near Burlington's central schools offer convenient access to the county's largest educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Des Moines County

via RiskByCounty

Des Moines County: Above-Average Risk Profile

Des Moines County's composite risk score of 55.79 places it "Relatively Low" but well above Iowa's state average of 39.68, driven by tornado (69.40) and flood (56.04) exposure. The county also faces notably elevated earthquake risk at 56.71—the highest among Des Moines's peer counties—creating a three-threat profile unusual in the state. This combination reflects Des Moines's location along the Mississippi River and proximity to seismic zones.

Upper-Middle Risk Tier with Unique Quake Exposure

Des Moines County ranks in the upper-middle range of Iowa's disaster risk landscape, distinguished by extremely high tornado exposure (69.40) and unusually elevated earthquake risk (56.71) for eastern Iowa. This earthquake risk substantially exceeds state norms and reflects Des Moines's proximity to historical seismic activity zones. The combination of tornado, flood, and earthquake threats creates a multifaceted risk environment few other Iowa counties face.

Quake Risk Sets Des Moines Apart Regionally

Des Moines County's earthquake score of 56.71 far exceeds neighboring Louisa, Jefferson, and Henry counties, creating a distinctive seismic vulnerability within the region. Tornado and flood risks align more closely with neighbors, but Des Moines's earthquake exposure is regionally exceptional. This elevated seismic risk, combined with strong tornado exposure, distinguishes Des Moines from surrounding counties.

Tornadoes, Earthquakes, and Floods Converge

Tornado risk at 69.40 ranks among Iowa's highest, requiring robust safe room preparation and active weather monitoring during severe weather season. Earthquake risk at 56.71 is exceptionally high for the region, making home seismic assessment and securing heavy furniture a practical priority. Flood risk at 56.04 reflects Mississippi River proximity and tributary exposure, affecting low-lying properties year-round.

Multi-Hazard Preparedness Is Critical

Secure your home's foundation and anchor heavy furniture to walls to mitigate earthquake damage, a priority no other nearby county faces with equal urgency. Install a basement safe room for tornado protection and maintain flood insurance if within a mapped flood zone. Review your homeowner's policy for earthquake coverage options—many require separate endorsements—and update your plan annually.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Des Moines County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Humid Near the River

Des Moines County averages 51.5°F annually, making it one of the more temperate locations in the Midwest. The county is quite wet, receiving 39.4 inches of precipitation each year, which far exceeds the national average for most inland counties. This combination creates a humid environment with lush vegetation along the Mississippi River.

The Warmest Corner of Iowa

At 51.5°F, Des Moines County is significantly warmer than the Iowa state average of 48.0°F. It also records higher annual precipitation at 39.4 inches compared to the state's 36.1-inch average. This makes it a leader in heat and moisture for the entire state of Iowa.

Southeastern Warmth and Moisture

Des Moines County is the warmest in this regional set, edging out Davis (51.2°F) and Decatur (50.9°F). It is drastically warmer than northern counties like Dickinson, which stays nearly 6 degrees cooler on average. This makes it a regional outlier for those seeking a less harsh Iowa winter.

High Heat and Manageable Snow

Summers are hot, with 22 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 75.4°F. Winter is relatively mild for Iowa, with a January average of 23.9°F and only 21.8 inches of annual snowfall. The winter season average of 27.2°F is one of the highest in the state.

Focus on Cooling and Humidity Control

With 22 extreme heat days and high precipitation, air conditioning and dehumidifiers are vital for comfort and home maintenance. The lower snowfall of 21.8 inches makes winter travel easier than in northern counties, though ice is still a seasonal risk. Residents should prepare for a climate that feels more like the lower Midwest than the Great Lakes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Des Moines County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Acidic River Valley Soils

Des Moines County features an average soil pH of 6.25, which is more acidic than the 6.43 state average. While taxonomic data is not available, the soil score of 65.2 reflects the unique characteristics of this Mississippi River border region. This pH level is still within a productive range for many local agricultural staples.

Silty Soils for Smooth Texture

The county's soil is 54.3% silt, 23.2% clay, and 21.1% sand, creating a very fine-grained texture. This high silt percentage means the soil is smooth and easy to cultivate, though it can be sensitive to wind and water erosion. The balance of clay ensures that nutrients are held within the root zone.

Reliable Water for Growing Seasons

The soil contains 2.68% organic matter, which beats the national 2.0% average but is lower than the typical Iowa field. Available water capacity is measured at 0.187 in/in, providing a stable reservoir for crops during the summer months. Though it trails the state AWC average of 0.195, it remains a capable growing medium.

Moisture Management Near the River

The high silt content of 54.3% suggests that water moves through the profile at a moderate rate. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the available water capacity indicates the soil can sustain plants through moderate dry spells. Careful land management is required to prevent the fine silt from washing away during heavy rains.

Warmer Opportunities in Zone 6a

Des Moines County enjoys a slightly warmer climate in Zone 6a, allowing for a longer growing season than most of Iowa. This extra warmth, combined with silty soil, is excellent for specialty crops like melons or tomatoes. Consider adding organic mulch to boost the 2.68% organic matter and protect your garden beds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Des Moines County

via LawnByCounty

Southwestern Iowa’s Lawn Success

Des Moines County scores an 80.7 for lawn ease, making it more manageable than the 77.2 state average. It is the only county in this group in Hardiness Zone 6a, allowing for a slightly wider variety of grass species and a more resilient growing environment.

The State’s Most Productive Growth

A high 3499 growing degree days and 39.4 inches of rain make this a very productive climate for turf. You will face 22 extreme heat days, meaning your mowing and watering schedules must remain active throughout the peak of July.

Reliable Soil for Deep Roots

The soil pH sits at a healthy 6.25, providing a great environment for microbial activity and root development. With 23.2% clay and 21.1% sand, the texture is well-balanced for retaining moisture without becoming overly compacted.

Persistent Dryness Requires Care

Despite 17 weeks of drought in the past year, current conditions show no severe drought, though 100% of the county is abnormally dry. Focus on evening watering to minimize evaporation and help your lawn survive the frequent high-heat days.

Early Starts in Zone 6a

The last spring frost typically occurs on April 18, giving you a head start compared to northern Iowa counties. With the first frost holding off until October 20, you have ample time to establish heat-tolerant cool-season blends.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Des Moines County's county score?
Des Moines County, Iowa has a composite county score of 34.7 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Des Moines County rank among counties in Iowa?
Des Moines County ranks #98 among all counties in Iowa on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Des Moines County, Iowa?
The median annual property tax in Des Moines County is $2,097, with an effective tax rate of 1.53%. This earns Des Moines County a tax score of 11.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Des Moines County?
The median household income in Des Moines County, Iowa is $60,662 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Des Moines County earns an income score of 41.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Des Moines County, Iowa a good place to live?
Des Moines County scores 34.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in Iowa. The best way to evaluate Des Moines County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Des Moines County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.